jackie

DECEMBER 2010� JACKIE

IndependenceHOLLY AND MISTLETOE TOUR, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 2. Take a peek into five lavishly decorated private homes and a local church. All proceeds from this annual fundraiser by the Independence Young Matrons, benefits local charities. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. For tickets, call 816-373-8558.INDEPENDENCE HOST LIONS CLUB PANCAKE DAY, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Westminster Hall, Lexington Avenue and Pleasant St. Proceeds support local sight, hearing and youth projects. Cost, $5 donation.GALLERY WALK: Blazing the Way West, 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Free with regular museum admission, $5 for adults; $4.50 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-325-7575.“A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS,” presented by the Children’s Performing Theater, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Sat-urdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Admission, $5; $4 for seniors; $3 for ages 12 and under. Call 816-325-7370.NATIVITY OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH holiday bread sales, mid- to late afternoon Dec. 3; afternoon Dec. 4, 10017 E. 36th Terrace.INDEPENDENCE SHEPHERD’S CENTER “Adventures in Learning,” 8:30 a.m. registration/free blood pressure checks, Dec. 3 and 17, Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St. Workshops begin at 10 and 11 a.m., lunch is a noon. Workshop registration, $1; lunch is $4. For lunch reservations, call 816-254-0521.LEILA’S HAIR MUSEUM exhibits, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 1333 S. Noland Road. Dec. 3-4, Cottage In-dustry samples; Dec. 10-11, watch chain Janet Reading, Dec. 17-18, Christmas gift wreath; Dec. 31, Ruck family wreath. The museum is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, but receive more information about exhibits on Friday and Saturday. Call 816-833-2955.CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER, Dec. 4. Travel between three decorated historic sites as you dine the night away at the Chicago and Alton Depot, Bingham-Waggoner Estate and 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home. Cost, $40. For reservations, call 816-461-3491.HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, 11, 18, National Frontier Trails Museum. On Dec. 4, take a free covered wagon ride and visit with Father Christmas, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11, enjoy live music. Enjoy cider and cook-ies and festive decorations. Free with museum admission. Call 816-325-7575.“LET IT SNOW – MEN, LET IT SHOW,” 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, Chicago and Alton Depot, 318 W. Pacific Ave. The Depot will be decked out in festive decora-tion, with a special snowman exhibit. Donations welcome. Call 816-325-7955.CRAFT AND COLLECTABLE BAZAAR, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Trinity Episcopal Church, 409 N. Liberty St. Crafts, collectibles, baked goods, silent auction, door prizes and “tea leaf reading by Madam Margarita.” Call 816-254-3644.“A HOLIDAY HAPPENING,” with puppeteer Kraig Kensinger, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and, 18, and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. The $5 cost includes seeing the museum and a finger puppet for children. For reservations, 816-833-9777.MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHRISTMAS FAIR, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 4, 613 S. Main St. Activities: View the Christmas/winter Lego display, visit with Santa, make/take Christmas crafts for kids, crafts and baked goods for sale, visit with service organizations and other businesses, Christmas music and food. Visit http://messiahlcms.net.TWILIGHT TOURS, 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave., Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St., and 1859 Marshal’s Home, 217 N. Main St. The sites will be decorated for Christmas, and live music and complimen-tary refreshments will be served at the Vaile and Bingham. Cost, $12 for all three sites. Call 816-461-3491.MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT, a benefit for the Community Services League, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 W. Walnut St. Event features hundreds of local school students and the Independence Symphony performing songs of the season. Free, donations appreciated. Call 816-836-8189.NATIVITY OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH cinnamon buns

and sticky buns sales, 9 a.m. to noon the first Sunday of the month through May, 10017 E. 36th Terrace.“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES, demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Even Sundays at the Community of Christ Temple, odd Sundays at the Auditorium, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Inde-pendence. Free. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire.“LONG WAY HOME” film series, Truman Memorial Build-ing, 416 W Maple Ave. Series examines the depiction of the Vietnam War and look into the lives of those who served in it. Films shown: “How We Lost the War,” 5:30 Dec. 7; “The New Diaspora,” 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14. For information, call 816-325-7843.GATHER INN – open to all ages, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Stone Church Community of Christ, north en-trance, 1012 W. Lexington Ave., Independence. Spend time in Bible study, receive free blood pressure testing and learn about the community. A different guest speaker each week.

Optional lunch cost, $3.50. Call 816-254-2211 or visit www.stone-church.org.“TALKING TRUMAN SERIES: Christmas at the White House,” 11 a.m. Dec. 11, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. This intimate holiday portrait is illustrated with photographs, letters, Christmas Cards and sound recordings. Free with regular admission. Call 816-268-8200.“CRAZY QUILT STOCKING” workshop, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11, National Frontier Trails Museum. Create a one-of-a-kind Victorian stocking. Fee includes fabric, thread and templates. Cost, $40. For reservations, call 816-325-7575.FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 11, Beacon Heights Community of Christ, 19402 E. Holke Road. Events include a pancake breakfast, free photo with Santa, make a picture frame, face painting and more. For informa-tion, call Larry Martin at 816-550-4429.DOME AND SPIRE CONCERT SERIES: Advent service, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River Blvd. Music provided by the Voices of Peace Chamber Choir and the Emporia State Faculty Brass Quintet. Freewill offering. Call 816-833-1000.ENGLEWOOD HOLIDAY ART WALK, 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 17, Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue. See artists in action, demonstrations, live seasonal music and entertainment, Santa and refresh-ments. Free. Call 816-252-3372.MAYOR’S HOLIDAY CARNIVAL, 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 18, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Kids will enjoy face painting, moonwalks, carnival games, visits with Santa (bring your own camera), and food. Free. Call 816-325-7370.VISIT WITH “HARRY TRUMAN,” 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 U.S. 24. Our 33rd president, dressed in period attire, will meet and greet visitors. Free with regular museum admission, $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for age 6-15. Call 816-268-8200.VISITS WITH SANTA CLAUS, through Dec. 24, Indepen-dence Center. Hours vary, for specific dates and times, call 816-795-8600 or visit www.simon.com.SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 24, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 18001 Bass Pro Drive. Kids may write letters to Santa, make crafts, play games, watch running rain sets and visit with Santa Claus. Free. Call 816-795-4300 or visit PACK YOUR WAGON, 10 a.m. Dec. 29, National Frontier Trails Museum. Children will pack a wagon, make a craft and take a wagon ride. Cost, $5. For reservations, call 816-325-7575.NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENT, doors open at 6 p.m. Dec. 31, American Legion Post 21, 16701 E. U.S. 40. Evening includes hors d’oeuvres, champagne, party favors, midnight break-fast and dancing. Music provided by The Reddymen. Cost, $30. Advance tickets required. Call 816-373-0221.SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PAST HERITAGE HOMES TOUR, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 23-25). Tour includes Bing-ham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion and 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home. Cost, $12 for three sites, or $5 per site. Call 816-325-7111.LOG CABIN HOLIDAYS, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 30, 1827 Log Courthouse, 107 W. Kansas Ave.

{EDITOR’ S P ICK}

A Winter Rose poinsettia. PHOTO FROM IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

A POINSETTIA SALE, sponsored by the Blue Springs FFA, will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3,

behind the Blue Springs Freshman Center, 2103 N.W. Vesper St., Blue Springs.

Plants range from $12 to $14. For informa-tion, call 816-810-9620.get your holiday

flowers and helpstudent cause

PoinsettiaSale

calendar

The courthouse is trimmed with handmade and locally harvested decor. Free. Call 816-325-7111.CHRISTMAS WITH THE TRUMANS exhibit, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 10, Harry S Truman Historic Site Visitor Center, 223 N. Main St., Independence. Exhibit of toys, ornaments, photos, wrapping paper, greeting cards and more which belonged to the Truman family. Free. Call 816-254-9929.“THE HEALING POWER OF JESUS CHRIST” traveling exhibit, through Feb. 16, Visitors Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 937 W. Walnut St. See 12 bronze statues telling vignettes from the life of Christ. Call 816-836-3466.“MEMORIES OF KOREA” exhibit, through Dec. 31, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24, Indepen-dence. Exhibit recalls the region, the war and its legacy through the eyes and memories of people who lived and fought there. Free with museum admission, $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6-15; under 6 are free. Call 800-833-1225 or 816-268-8200.“HAZELLE’S COMPETITORS,” through July 31, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. Exhibit of puppets made by other companies that competed with the Hazelle Rollins Kansas City factory. Cost, $3, $1.50 to age 16. Call 816-833-9777.WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are preg-nant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue SpRIngSVIOLENCE AND BULLYING workshop, 6 p.m. Dec. 2, Uni-versity of Missouri Extension Center, 1106 W. Main St. Child care providers and teachers will learn how to identify and prevent bullying or other related violence among peers or in the community. Cost, $18. To register, call 816-252-5051.POINSETTIA SALE, sponsored by Blue Springs FFA, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3, located behind the Freshman Center. Plants range from $12 to $14. For information, call 816-810-9620.BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m. Dec. 4, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. After a festive holiday breakfast, visit with Santa, create a simple craft and receive a goodie bag. Parents, bring a wrapped gift ($2-$5) for your child from Santa. Registration deadline: Dec. 2. Cost, $8 per person, 1 and younger are free. Call 816-228-0181.FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 4, Colonial Hills Community of Christ, 3539 S. Missouri 7. Have your photo taken with Santa ($1 or bring your camera). Children will be able to shop for loved ones in the “Kids’ Christmas Shoppe,” and each gift is $1.50 (free gift wrap-ping). Call 816-229-9344.CREATE A NATURAL CENTERPIECE/WREATH FOR THE HOLIDAYS, noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 4, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Call 816-228-3766 to register.SPIRIT OF CARING CHRISTMAS CONCERT, a benefit for the Community Services League, 2 p.m. Dec. 5, Blue Springs High School, Performing Arts Center, 2000 Ashton. Concert features musical performances by soloists, bands, choirs and ensembles from throughout the Blue Springs com-munity and school district.PUBLIC NOTICE: Muzzleloader managed deer hunt, 5 a.m. to p.m. Dec. 6-8, Burr Oak Woods. The roadway, trails

and conservation area will be closed to the public. The nature center will remain open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8. Call 816-228-3766.COMPUTER CLASSES, beginning Windows XP, 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7-8; beginning Microsoft Word, 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 9-10. Cost, $35. Call to register.CANDY CREATIONS FOR KIDS, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Create a classic candy Santa with candy and a mason jar. Cost, $12 per person. Call 816-228-0181 to register.HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR, presented by Blue Springs Parks & Recreation, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Board a deluxe motor coach and travel to Longview Farm, the Plaza, Crown Center and Chicago Street. There will be caroling, games and refreshments. The $20 cost includes beverages and snacks. Registration deadline: Dec. 3. Call 816-228-0137.“A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” portrayed by Gerald Dickens, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, Blue Springs South Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, 2220 S. Missouri 7. Dickens, the great-grandson of Charles Dickens, leaps, laughs and sobs as he portrays the voices of A Christmas Carol. Call 816-229-3571 to register. LETTERS FROM SANTA’S ELVES, through Dec. 15. Children of all ages can receive a letter during the holidays. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelop, plus $1, by Dec. 15, to Elves Mailing List, in care of Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper, Blue Springs, Mo. 64014. Include a phone number for questions, plus helpful information, such as age, pets and friends. Call 816-228-0181.HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC HOLIDAY POPS SPECTACU-LAR, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Blue Springs High School, Perform-ing Arts Center, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.RAPTORS IN FLIGHT, 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Burr Oak Woods. Fly into the world of Missouri’s birds of prey and discover their secrets. Call 816-228-3766 to register.FEED THE CRITTERS on exhibit at Burr Oak Woods Conser-vation Nature Center at 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 816-228-3766.WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are preg-nant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 220-1007.TOUGH LOVE Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesdays, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.MOM TO MOM LUNCH CLUB, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m., first and third Tuesday of each month, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. Call 655-5585.LA LECHE LEAGUE of Blue Springs, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Parkview Church. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 833-0250.

lee’S SummItCHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thurs-days; 5:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 31, Longview Lake campground. Free admission, donations accepted. Visit www.jacksongov.org/recreation.

SugAR cReekHOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING, events begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 4,

Wells Park, Sterling Avenue and Gill Street. Santa Claus will arrive around 5:30 p.m., plus there will be hot dogs and hot beverages, and holiday carols. The Citizens Civic Relief Commission will be accepting donations of canned or dry food products.

gRAIn VAlleyCHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY HOMES TOUR, presented by the Grain Valley Historical Society, Dec. 4. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and available from any society member and the Bank of Grain Valley in Grain Valley or the Independence branch, 14801 E. U.S. 40. For homes loca-tions, call Jan Reding at 816-650-5192.

kAnSAS cItyBREAKFAST WITH SANTA – open to kids of all ages, spon-sored by The Salvation Army, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4, Three Trails Camp and Retreat Center, 16200 E. U.S. 40. Events include visits with Santa, kids craft making, door prizes and musical entertainment. Cost, $6 in advance; $8 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Trails Camp. To purchase tickets in advance, call 816-373-4153.CROWN CENTER activities: SANTA’S CRAYOLA CHRISTMAS LAND, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 31. Photos are avail-able for fee. – SANTA’S GINGERBREAD VILLAGE, through Dec. 31. Three locomotives travel through the village in the North Pole. Free. – HOLIDAY CHOIRS, through Dec. 17. More than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch and weekday evenings. Free. – MUSICAL FUN FOR KIDS, noon and 2 p.m., Dec. 4, The Doo Dads; Dec. 11, Jim Cosgrove, aka Mrs. Stinky Feet & the Hiccups; Dec. 18, Dino O’Dell and the Veloci-Rappers. Free. For more information, call 816-274-8444.

kIngSVIllePOWELL GARDEN activities:HOLIDAY FUN WITH SANTA, 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Meet Santa for breakfast at Cafe Thyme, make a craft to take home and join Mrs. Claus for story time. Call 816-697-2600, Ext. 209 for reservations.GOOD EARTH GIFTS open house, noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 4. Enjoy free samples, hot drinks and free gift wrapping with every purchase from the Heartland Harvest Garden.HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES SERIES, 3 to 4 p.m., Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel. Dec. 4, Handbell choir “Rezound”; Dec. 11, Octarium presents eight singers whose voices blend as one; Dec. 12, Christian Tabernacle Deliverance Choir sings gospel favorites. Performances require separate tickets which include Garden admission, $10 for members; $14 for non-members. Call 816-697-2600, Ext. 209.GARDENS BY CANDLELIGHT: A luminary walk, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12. Enjoy live holiday music, homemade cookies and a glowing fireplace. Additional food and drinks are available for purchase. For reservations, call 816-697-2600, Ext. 209.

– Jillayne Ritchie

JACKIE �DECEMBER 2010

Jackie CONTACT US

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Cover Photo by karen haCker at the Portrait Gallery, 124 S. Main St., indePendenCe, 816-461-5400.

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� JACKIE DECEMBER 2010

I feel confident that these grouchy assessments have been well-reported elsewhere.

I confess it. I like to shop. I enjoy giving gifts for special occasions and (horrors!) I like getting them, too. If you suffer from the same affliction, let me comfort you.

Spending money on gifts for your family and friends doesn’t make you a bad person. If you are like every other woman I know, you work hard, sacrifice luxuries, watch your spending and act charitably toward others. You make do with what you have in your closet, your cabinet and your carport, resisting the temptation to upgrade your wardrobe, household and transportation in favor of saving. You take care of what you have to make sure it will last, and you ap-preciate quality and value.

Few of us need to be reminded how for-tunate we are. We demonstrate our grati-tude through countless acts of kindness. We donate time, money and material goods, we

are at the ready with a dry shoulder when a friend, a companion, a child needs one to cry on, we give what we have whether it’s a few dollars from our pockets or the vast wealth of our experience.

When December rolls around, we have no reason to be ashamed of splurging just a little. Treating your loved ones to a coveted item, and relishing the thrill of receiving one yourself, is an undeniable part of what makes Christmas magical and memorable. Shop, ladies, shop, but do it consciously.

Avoid the pressure to simply fill up that dauntingly huge space under the tree and the bottomless stockings you hung with care. Take a quiet moment to recall you favorite holiday moments before you hit the

town. If a special outing, family get-away, or remarkable meal top your list then invest in reuniting the people that contributed to that blissful memory.

No matter how creative you are, you will definitely need to make some purchases in the coming weeks. It’s a jungle out there so be aware of your limits both financially and psychologically. No one likes a grumpy elf, so manage your stress level appropriately.

Whenever possible do your part to help your hometown by shopping locally and patronizing small businesses.

By all means, consider those who are struggling this year financially, emotionally and physically.

And if you get an expensive, impractical, extravagant gift, enjoy it!

Jackie

eat, shop and enjoy written by

Jackie

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how-to

check for sneaky draftsCaulking is a great way to reduce energy loss and chilly drafts. even if it’s already too cold to caulk windows and doors from the outside, you can seal drafts from the inside. Spread caulk around the window where the molding meets the wall, as well as under the sill. Caulk around exterior doors the same way. look for daylight coming through cracks. replace any worn or cracked weather stripping, and make sure the door sweep on the bottom edge of the door is meeting the floor.

look at your windowsif you have storm windows, don’t forget to put them in. if you don’t and your windows are drafty, consider window insulator kits. these are cheap, fast and effective at reducing drafts. although you may not adore the plastic-covered-window look, the plastic will be less noticeable if applied very carefully. (For future seasons, think about replacement windows. Many homeowners choose to replace a few at a time to spread out the cost.)

check the guttersif you don’t have time to clean leaves and other debris from your gutter, hire someone to tackle the job. dirty, clogged gutters can cause ice and snow buildup on your roof, leading to costly leaks.

Store your lawn equipmentMake sure the outdoor water supply is turned off, and drain the hose and lawn sprinklers before you store them. Clean and oil the lawnmower before putting it away, and drain the gas or add a stabilizer. you may also wish to turn on your snow blower and make sure it’s in good working order before that first heavy snow.

do a quick garden cleanupMany gardeners like to leave some plants as they are, without cutting them back, to add winter interest to the garden. if you don’t pull all the old plants from your garden, though, you should at least remove spent tomato plants. these are disease-prone and should not be left to gather moisture in your gar-den during winter.

do some damage controlbefore the weather gets frigid, try to get in one last round of weeding in gar-dens and flowerbeds. Some weeds grow their root systems during winter, making them that much harder to remove in the spring. rake all leaves in your yard, or they’ll smother the grass and leave bare spots. if you do get a warm day and your soil needs nurturing, late fall is a fine time to add compost or ma-nure to your garden.

hunker down your home and yard before it snowsBy cAROlyn SpeRRy

prepare for winter

ith the temperatures falling fast and winter right around the corner, it’s natural to turn our attention indoors. Holiday preparations,

cleaning and decorating are front and center — and household maintenance can get pushed to the backburner. But your winter can be even cozier, and your mind put at ease, with some winterizing steps that can be managed even if the cold weather is already at your doorstep. To reduce the chances that you — or your house or garden — will suffer needlessly this winter, try these steps.

Photo by StoCk.XChnG

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faith

Holy day vs. holidaykeeping Christmas focused on religion, not consumptionBy kARen SORenSen

n the weeks leading to Christmas, it’s so easy to lose the “reason for the season.” Too many toy commercials flood the airwaves, too much shopping and cookie-making and card-writing soak up your free time, too many

holiday parties and other social obligations fill your calendar. Here are some ways to keep Christmas in the proper spotlight when commercialism threatens to overshadow it.

Find a way to give backChoosing a charity as a family, perhaps working to-gether at a homeless shelter, adopting a needy fam-ily for whom to buy presents or helping with a toy drive can be great ways to not only keep Christmas

in perspective but create a family tradition, says brenda verner, author of “101 Ways to have a Christian Christ-mas.”

Host a yule log partyresurrect the european tradition of a yule log party, verner suggests. according to custom, the “master of the house” places an enormous log on the hearth and invites family and friends over

to sing carols, tell stories, read Scripture and pray for the new year, she says. eggnog and a yule log cake are served.

Observe Adventthe four weeks before Christmas are known as advent, and taking the time as a family to create an advent wreath and light a candle every week can keep you focused on preparing mentally for

the coming of Jesus’ birthday, says dan andriacco, a writer for americanCatholic.org. reading bible stories on the events leading to Jesus’ birth can be part of the tradi-tion, verner says.

Skip Black Friday shoppingthe commercialism of the holiday is probably at its zenith in the feeding frenzy that comes the day after thanksgiving. next year, if you skip heading to the mall at 5 a.m., you can opt out of contribut-

ing to the hysteria that puts the focus on buying and none on why you’re doing it, andriacco says.

Bring christmas to others Many people are left out at Christmas because they lack family or money, verner says. by pay-ing attention to people in your neighborhood – perhaps inviting an elderly or needy neighbor to dinner or dropping by for a visit – you not only

do a good deed, you embody some of the things Jesus preached, she says.

lead by exampleit’s easy to blame others for Christmas excess, but what do your own actions say? andriacco cites a “baby blues” comic strip in which a father tells his young daughter, “tonight is the night that eight reindeer and rudolph will land on our roof,

and Santa will slide down our chimney with a big bag of toys for you. tomorrow there will be lots of presents and candy under the Christmas tree for you and hammie to open.” naturally, the girl’s reaction is: “yay! oh boy! toys! oh boy!” the father then turns to the mother and says, “the media should be ashamed for turning this into such a commercial holiday.” Says andriacco: “you can’t change culture, but you can change your own actions.”


Nothing can prepare a parent for the wave of emotions he or she will feel the first time Baby

smiles.I will never forget the day Baby J smiled

at me for the first time. There are no words to describe the mix of emotions running through me. So I did what any proud parent would do – snapped a picture and texted it to every person I know.

I’m thankful the technology gods are looking out for my ability to brag about my daughter because now I have photographic proof that Baby J is well advanced for her age.

To say I’ve turned into “one of those” parents would be an understatement. Every day at work, I tell my coworkers exactly how amazing Baby J is through some, most-like-ly, sensationalized story about her spilling yogurt-covered raisins all over the floor.

Here’s a hint: When a mom tells you “Baby talks non-stop,” it usually means

baby jabbers all the time and occasionally a sound will slip out that sounds like a word. This jabbering is an important part of a baby’s language acquisition, and as proud parents the moment our precious bundle starts to udder near words, we repeat it over and over hoping baby will learn a new word.

At 10 months old, I’m pretty convinced Baby J can say “hi,” “kitty,” “Mama,” “Dada” and at least one word I wouldn’t want her to say in church. Of course, that’s my and my husband’s interpretation of the sounds that come out of her mouth.

Beyond learning to talk, there are so many other milestones we anticipate Baby reaching so we can run to work and cheer

“baby learned how to stick a pea up her nose.”

And somehow it turns into a competi-tion.

“How big is Baby J now? Is she walking yet? Is she eating solid foods? Well, my 11-month-old drove Daddy to work yesterday and darned my socks all before I got out of bed.”

We tell anyone who will listen about what good little eaters we’re raising and give our friends and co-workers a rundown of Baby J’s caloric intake each day. We com-pare our most horrific diaper stories and our worst baby boo-boo stories with other new parents.

I don’t think new parents really think their little one is better than another (OK, maybe we do), but it’s really more astonish-ment that this being is learning and grow-ing and thriving off of the knowledge and example we are giving her. She learned how to wave because we taught her how.

She’s clapping because I showed her.And, of course, there are always the

things she learned to do on her own. She started pulling herself up on furniture with-out any help from me or daddy. She took her first steps and started standing without much assistance from anyone.

I tell everyone who will listen that Baby J is advanced for her age, like I have enough experience to know what a 10-month-old is capable of doing. I just know that the day Baby J rolled over for the first time, I called everyone I knew, almost in tears at the little miracle I’d just witnessed.

I’m ready to witness more miracles as time with Baby J barrels on at lightning speed. I’m just so thankful learning to ap-preciate all these daily miracles wasn’t a hard lesson learned.

Stephanie


written by

STePHaNieBOOTHe

lessons in life | lesson 3

everything your child does is nothing short of a miracle


cover story

LIZ

McC

LUR

E


cover story

By kelly eVenSOn |[email protected]

As a freshman at St. Mary’s High School, Liz McClure began to come out of her shell when her fellow classmates and teachers realized that she excelled at music.

That ability allowed McClure, who graduated from St. Mary’s in 1969, to have a variety of opportunities in school and upon graduation that she might not have had otherwise. Those opportunities led to her years working with the city of Inde-pendence, the Independence Chamber of Commerce and most recently the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

“Because of my musical ability, I was given opportunities that I might not have otherwise had if I had attended a larger high school,” said the lifelong Indepen-dence resident. “I would play the score for the spring musical and rehearse with the upperclassmen. That start, rehearsing with those older than myself, helped me to better work with others later in life.”

uSO tours and musicMcClure was born in Independence, the

oldest of three siblings. After graduating from St. Mary’s, she attend the Conserva-tory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Because she started taking courses at the conservatory in high school,

she entered UMKC with 11 credits toward the bachelor’s of music education degree that she would eventually receive.

“I started playing the piano in the fourth grade,” she said. “I was a normal kid who didn’t want to sit and practice. I wanted to be outside playing with my friends. But my mother pushed me and stayed behind me. I think it was in high school that I saw the benefits of staying with the piano and put-ting that time in practicing.”

As a student at UMKC, even more op-portunities came, especially in the form of joining four USO tours while in college. McClure played piano, sang and danced, traveling to 16 countries.

“My upbringing was pretty conservative, so it was amazing to have that kind of op-portunity to see other cultures,” she said. “It was an education that you cannot get out of a book, which is why I believe every young person should travel abroad if they have that opportunity.”

One of her most memorable experiences was during her first USO tour when she traveled to the North Pole. She said while it was not the most beautiful location, the ex-perience is the one that stands out the most.

“I think it was one of my most reward-ing experiences as a performer because the people there were so isolated,” she said. “They were hungry for any type of enter-tainment. I think it also stands out in my mind because it was my first trip.”

Santa-cali-gon and motherhood

After a short stint as an elementary music teacher, McClure began working with the Independence Chamber of Commerce

in 1973. At that time, the chamber was at-tempting to revitalize the Santa-Cali-Gon Festival, which had not been held since the 1940s. She said she enjoyed the position because her responsibilities changed every

a life of quiet service to community

HIgHeSt HIgHOctober 1980 when I delivered a 9-pound healthy boy. He is our pride and joy.

SPECTRUM/ Liz McClure

lOWeSt lOWIn 1990, there was a change in the mayor’s office. I had taken some time off to be with my dad who was dying of cancer. I got a call saying the new mayor was letting go the two secretaries, which included me. I had never been let go from a job, but since Barbara Potts was no longer mayor, he had no use for either of us. The new mayor was really a complete opposite of what Barbara Potts was trying to create.

AcHIlleS’ HeelI get very frus-trated when people complain, but never offer alternative ideas.

gReAteSt mOmentOF epIpHAnyOur first foundation gala in 1995. As with any first-time event, we did not know how it would go. But the experience was so reward-ing. When I saw we had 550 people that responded to the event, an event that celebrated philanthropy in our community, I knew the foundation would be a success.

SmARteSt tHIng I HAVe eVeR dOneMarry my best friend in October 1977.

dumBeSt tHIng I HAVe eVeR dOneI have done so many it is hard to narrow it to one.

WHAt I tHOugHt I WOuld Be dOIng WItH my lIFeI never had such high expectations of success that I thought I would be at the top of some career. I only wanted to be respected in what I do and be content. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and a job that makes me feel like I have an important role in something.

WHAt I StIll ReAlly WAnt tO dOI would love to do some more traveling. Being in the USO gave me a wonderful opportunity to travel, but there are so many places I haven’t been. I would like to go to Europe, especially Italy, or a variety of other countries.

truman Heartland community Foundation program and donor relations officer eliza-beth mcclure, left, discusses news coverage of the foundation’s events with market-ing and communications director nicole Stevens in the foundation’s offices.| tHe eXAmIneR/Adam Vogler

cOntInued On pAge 19

10 JACKIE DECEMBER 2010

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technology

SyStem ABOut gAme InFORmAtIOn pRIce

microsoft kinect for Xbox 360

With a sleekly designed motion bar that plugs into new and older Xbox units, kinect reads your body’s movements with its sensor, which allows the user to act as the controller and avoid holding anything while in play. interaction with the futuristic gaming system is something everyone will want to try. also, kinect can be up and running in a minute or two.

Sony’s play in the motion sensor market delivers a controller system that works in conjunction with an existing PlayStation. Similar to the nintendo Wii, the Move controller reads motions with a camera and executes actions on screen. With many components required for play, this system is more complicated to set up than others currently available.

playStation move for PS3

kinect has a family-friendly approach and currently offers 17 games in a range of genres. Games are priced at $59.99 each, steep when compared with other systems whose games are closer to $30 or $40.

Sony will offer about 35 games before the holiday season priced around $39.99. While there will be games for all ages, the Move has taken an interest in hardcore gamers and older players, offering titles like “killzone 3” and “time Crisis: razing Storm.”

the kinect itself retails for $149.99, but keep in mind that you must own the Xbox 360 in order to use it. Xboxes run between $199.99 and $399.99 depending on the model. Find kinect at retailers everywhere.

Users will need to purchase a motion controller ($50), a secondary navigation controller ($40) and a PS3 eye camera ($40). all three can be purchased in a bundle with the “Sports Champion” game for $100. another bundle, including the PS3 console, is currently available for $399. Move and Move accessories are available everywhere online and in stores.

as you might expect, some of the most buzzworthy holiday items fall within the technology sector. two new motion-sensor gaming systems set to challenge the nintendo Wii have hit shelves in recent months. here’s a breakdown of what the news systems offer.

Get Inthe GaMe

the next generation of video games come with motion sensorsBy mOlly lOgAn AndeRSOn

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• 2 red velvet cake mixes (18 ¼ ounces)• other ingredients called for in the mix you choose• 1 box (1 lb., 8 ounces) ready-to-use rolled fondant• Confectioners’ sugar, as needed• 4 to 6 cans (16-ounce) white icing• red, green and yellow food color• ornaments: small cookies and candies, peppermint canes and pat-ties, sugar crystals, white chocolate bits

christmas treesprettyenoughto eat

uring the holiday rush, you may find yourself doing two projects at once — maybe more! — trying to finish everything on time. But how do you achieve real flair while juggling at such high speed?

Here are two cakes that will let you create dessert and your party centerpiece at the same time — and wow your guests in the process.

For these cakes, we needed timesaving ingredients. So although we love scratch cakes and homemade icing, we worked with cake mixes and canned frosting. Packaged fondant and store-bought candies and cookies formed the first step in our decorations.

Lots of ingredients will come from your supermarket, but you’ll still need some specialized tools and supplies. Check the cake-decorating aisle at your nearest craft store for pastry bags and tips for piping leaves and borders. You should also find ready-to-use rolled fondant, cookie cutters and paste food coloring in the same spot.

Centerpiece cakes for your holiday parties

StORy And pHOtOgRApHy By mARgARet mApleS

IngRedIentS

Follow the cake mix directions to prepare the batter and bake layers: two 8-inch diameter, two 6-inch, two 4-inch and four reg-ular cupcakes. When these have cooled completely, double-wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. 1. make ornaments: dust the counter with confectioners’ sugar. Cut off a 4-by-3-inch piece of fondant and knead it in your hands until it becomes pli-able. Shape the fondant into a ball and place it on the sugared counter. Use a rolling pin to roll the fondant 1/8 inch thick. With cookie cutters, make several small shapes – stars, hearts and other favorites – plus a large star for the top of the tree. let these dry and become firm. brush the dry shapes with a lit-tle water, then sprinkle on sugar crystals. Using a pastry bag with a small round tip, accent the fondant shapes. outline small cookies with icing. Set these aside so the icing can become firm.2. Assemble cake layers: Sepa-rate the layers into two groups of 8-, 6- and 4-inch diameters, plus two cupcakes. trim the domes off all the layers so they have flat, level tops. Use a dab of icing to anchor one 8-inch layer

to a festive cake board. Use white icing between the layers as you add a 6-inch and 4-inch layer. end with a stack of two cupcakes. to steady the cake, push plastic drinking straws or a wooden skewer straight down through the cupcakes and the other three layers. Follow the same steps to build the second cake.3. Ice two cakes: Use a small spatula to cover each cake with a thin coat of colored icing. refrigerate the cakes to let the first coat set. For the decorative layer, we thickened the icing with a little confectioners’ sugar. We made a red cake and piped leaves using a bird’s beak tip. if you use a bird’s beak tip, start at the bottom and work up, so the ends of the leaves will be visible. the dark-green cake has foliage piped with a star tip. refriger-ate the cakes to let the icing get firm.4. decorate the trees: our red cake is decorated with peppermint patties and white chocolate chips, and topped with candy canes. the green cake has small cookies, candies and fondant ornaments and is finished with a big star on top. arrange these cakes on your party table.

makes two cakes (8-inch bases, four layers each)

1 2 3 4


the military lookthe military look is hot for all types of clothing but especially for outerwear. but make no mistake – it’s anything but masculine. Contoured for curves, military-inspired coats may lack the flounce of other styles, but they offer a cool, sleek look without being boring. bold silver buttons dot this simple style. White House Black market offers a bright red version for feminine flair ($188), while the limited carries a military sweater coat with flap pockets ($89.90).

fashion

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CoZy cOAtSbold patterns and frilly details define this season’s outerwearBy eRIkA enIgk

hen the winter wind starts blowing, reaching for a hot new style of outerwear can be just the ticket.

This year’s women’s styles are just as in-your-face as the winter weather. Big patterns, bold colors and pronounced details are present in this season’s offerings.

The most prominent styles are versions of the ever-stylish wool pea coat. The pea coat has served as the baseline for those who want to dress up, dress down or simply dress warm.

the bridge coata longer, slightly dressier version of the pea coat, the bridge coat is an ideal choice for workday wear. it’s also more practical for skirt-wearers, as it’s longer and offers more warmth. lands’ end’s Wool Bridge coat ($179.50) comes in black, gray and red to suit the traditional and the trendy.

[$150+]

capes once very out, capes and ponchos are now very much in. topshop combines flowy with the military look in its Ultimate Military Cape in camel ($190), while Spiegel offers its Fleece cape with a flouncy, feminine collar ($49). orvis combines the cape with the patterned look in its houndstooth cape ($179).

[$50-200]

Big, bold patternsbold patterns are big this year, particularly in black and white. the houndstooth pattern, a classic in its own right, is everywhere, with many variations. White house black Market has a houndstooth pea coat with a black patent bow belt ($228). Plaids offer another classically “in” choice. While black and white is the most current look, this style is also often seen in warm tones. Woolrich carries a plaid wool coat with several color options; its bluff Park Jacket comes in two color schemes and is accented with faux fur ($198).

[$150-200]

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PhotoS (CloCkWiSe FroM toP riGht) FroM SPieGel, WoolriCh, land’S end and White hoUSe blaCk Market.

h


The other day one of my friends asked the question: Real, or fake? Christmas tree that is. My response was: Fake, fake, fake!

Fake tree. For that matter how about fake nails, fake hair color, fake eyelashes. Fake what you can’t make. Especially dur-ing the holiday party season. Just like we add sparkle to our household with shiny ornaments, why not add a bit of bling to your own personal style? It is a great time to glam up your look a bit. Let’s start with a quick little add on. How about a pair of false eyelashes?

Great eyelashes make eyes look bigger, brighter and inviting. Unfortunately, some of us are not lusciously lashed. I don’t know about you, but I have skimpier lashes now than I’ve ever had. Age will do it, illness, can contribute, or for some peepers, they just plain don’t have it. But hang on all you limp-lashed lovelies. False eyelashes to the rescue!

They are available in all sorts of sizes, colors and styles (believe it or not). The real trick is to learn how to apply them so they feel comfortable to you, and look awesome.

■ False eyelashes are available in a strip or in individual clumps. For ease of applica-tion, I think the strip lashes are they way to go. This is not to say that a few well placed individual lashes aren’t lovely – they are. I think it is just easier to apply a strip of lashes.

■ First things first. Get out there and pick up some lashes and lash adhesive. You will also need a small pair of scissors and a pair of tweezers. If you don’t know what kind of style to pick, try on a few. They are not too expensive so have some fun. The fuller and longer the lashes are the more you will notice them on your eyes.

■ If the lash strip is wider than your eye, trim them to fit. Feel free to trim the individual lashes down so they look more

natural if you like. They should be longer toward the outer corner of the eye, and the lash length should vary ever so slightly.

■ Next squeeze a stripe of eyelash adhe-sive onto the back of your hand and run the eyelash along it. Hold them for a minute so the glue becomes a bit less runny before you apply your lashes.

■ Using tweezers pick up the lashes and apply them very close to your natural lash line.

Nestle them into your natural lashes, press and hold until the glue dries. Allow the glue to set so that when you lift your fingertips from it, the lashes won’t stick to your finger.

■ Don’t forget mascara. Apply it while pressing your finger behind the fake lashes. This will bond the false lashes with yours.

■ The most important trick is to apply a bit of liquid eyeliner to fill any gaps between the false lashes and your natural lash line with eyeliner. This will really finish the look, and help to camouflage the difference between your real lashes and those that are false.

Go out there and get yourself a pair. It is a fun and easy way to jazz up your look. Remember, if they are done right you won’t even have to tell anyone!

Have a beautiful day!

Mary

written by

MarycOSTaNzO-ScHwaller

Fake! Fake! Fake!the cutting edge

Wear those false eyelashes with pride

DO YOU KNOW AN AMAZING WOMAN IN EAST-ERN JACKSON COUNTY? LET US KNOW, AND SHE COULD BECOME A ‘JACKIE’ COVER PERSON.

e-mail your ideas to Execuive Editor Sheila Davis, [email protected]

Nominate someone


WIld WeAtHeRGet ready for a wacky winterCompiled by Melissa Erickson

dress appropriatelyif you’re in Chicago, omaha, neb., Minneapolis, detroit, Cleveland, Seattle or Portland, ore., you’d better get your snow boots ready. according to Joe bastardi, chief long-range meteorologist for accuWeather.com, those cities will receive above-normal winter snowfall this year. alaska residents, along with western and central Canada, will be shivering through severe cold. “the Canadian winter will be as harsh as last year’s was gentle,” bastardi said.

family facts

according to the national Weather Service, a wind chill warning occurs when there is extreme wind chill of -30 degrees or colder and winds are greater than or equal to 10 mph. a wind chill advisory is when there is wind chill between -20 and -30 degrees and winds are greater than or equal to 10 mph.

80 percent of the heat energy from greenhouse gases heating the earth has gone straight to the ocean, according to a study published in “Journal of Climate.” the deep water is heating up, too. the study found that the deep ocean — the water below 3,300 feet — is taking up about 16 percent of what the upper ocean is absorbing. if that heat went into the atmosphere, it would be warming the earth at a rate of more than 5 degrees per decade.

Warnings versus advisories

the southern tier of the U.S. should expect above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation this winter, according to accuWeather.com. but that’s not necessarily a good thing — the dry weather could lead the region into a perilous period similar to the 1950s and 1960s, which led to drought conditions and water shortages. Southern California could also suffer from serious wildfire threats.

Southern winter drought

Warm water

the arctic region is heating up so much that it’s severely affecting the local population and ecosystem, says a team of international scientists as reported in the arctic report Card. Greenland is experiencing record-setting high temperatures, which is melting the ice and glaciers. and the 2009-10 summer sea ice cover was the third-lowest since satellite monitoring started in 1979.

Arctic report card

Varied forecastsa moderate to strong la niña will be the main climate factor

influencing most of the winter weather in the U.S. if you’re in the Pacific northwest, you should brace yourself for a colder and wetter

winter than average, while people in the South and Southeast will have warmer and drier weather than average through February,

according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration.

PhotoS by StoCk.XChnG


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food

3. Ice the cake: Prepare red and green icing, plus a small amount of yellow for the poinsettia centers. to make sure the icing will hold its shape, thicken it with a little confectioners’ sugar. Place the icing in pastry bags: the green with a bird’s beak tip for leaves, the red with a small star or round tip, and the yellow with a very small round tip. top the cake with green leaves, letting the foli-age come down the side just a bit. around the bottom layer, pipe a red border.

4. Arrange blossoms: Place the red petals to form large poinsettias. Finish with yel-low dots in the center of each blossom. (Some craft stores offer yellow stamens that look very professional. these are not edible.) accent the green background with a few holly berries. this cake can be used as a party center-piece or as a sideboard orna-ment at dinner.

2. Assemble cake layers: trim the dome off each cake layer so it has a flat, level top. anchor the base layer on a cake board with a dab of icing. Mix red icing and spread it between the layers as you assemble a three-layer tower. Cover the out-side with white icing. Place the tower in the refrigerator to let the frosting set.

1. make poinsettia petals: dust the counter with a little confectioners’ sugar. Cut off a 4-by-2-inch piece of fondant. knead it in your hands until it becomes pliable, then roll it into a ball and place it on the sugared counter. Use a rolling pin to roll the fondant about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to create poinsettia petals. drape them over a spoon handle to give them an organic shape. let them dry. Paint the firm petals with a small brush and liquid food coloring. Set the petals aside to dry a second time.

IngRedIentS• 1 yellow cake mix (18 ¼ ounces)• other ingredients called for by the mix you choose• Confectioners’ sugar, as needed• 1 box ready-to-use rolled fondant• 2 cans (16 ounces) white frosting• red, green and yellow food color

Follow the cake mix directions to prepare the batter and bake three layers 6-inches in diameter. When they have cooled completely, double-wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator.

poinsettia cake

1 2 3 4


day. She quickly became one of the organiz-ers for the annual festival.

“It was such an awesome opportunity for a young person,” she said. “Because of my music, I was already comfortable work-ing with adults. The 1974 festival was the first since 1946. I was important for the chamber to bring it back as an annual event for community spirit and to celebrate our history.”

In addition to Santa-Cali-Gon, Mc-Clure was responsible for the Fourth of July celebration and the Halloween Parade. But Santa-Cali-Gon, she said, will always have a special place.

“It was not as large back then, but we still had almost 100,000 people attend,” she said. “The basic format for the celebration was developed back in 1974. It feels pretty good to walk around now and see some of the same vendors I used to work with as an organizer. It is nice to see how much it has grown.”

Shortly after her son, Todd, was born in 1980, McClure left the chamber be a stay-at-home mom. She said it was important to her to spend that time with Todd and bond with her young son.

“That is valuable time in those first two to three years,” she said. “I feel sorry for those young mothers who have to go back right away because it is in those first few years that you really begin to bond. I am grateful that I had that kind of opportunity.”

Raising a child and working full-time for much of his life was not always easy, McClure said, but she said with a strong support system, she had it easier than most.

“I don’t think it was as difficult as some

moms have it,” she said. “Gary’s parents were here and he (Todd) was just down the street at Messiah Lutheran, so he was close if I needed to be there.”

McClure’s son has recently been accepted to Southern Illinois University and will be working on his Ph.D. in marketing. She said he has been her greatest joy.

“I had a beautiful, healthy child who has been an extreme joy in our lives,” she said. “He is also a musician too, playing the piano. He has not brought one day of trouble to us.”

truman’s BirthdayIn 1983, McClure was thinking of

returning to work when she learned about a new position created by then-mayor Barbara Potts. The city of Independence was getting ready to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Harry S. Truman, so McClure came on board to help plan the centennial.

“I was once again given another oppor-tunity to do something unique for the city,” she said. “I was right on the planning stage, using my own ideas to help plan this impor-tant celebration for the city. I was very busy, but the experience was so rewarding.”

During the next seven years, McClure not only helped with the centennial celebra-tion, but was also involved with the start of the Independence Community Founda-tion, which would later become the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. She helped type the by-laws and early drafts of the foundations charter. She had no idea that she would later be working with the foundation itself.

“I think that was my happiest time,

working with the city,” she said. “I was able to work with so many community leaders and help create so many things. I think that is why in was so tough when that experi-ence came to an abrupt end when Barbara was no longer mayor.”

truman HeartlandMcClure spent a few years working with

Dick King, a lawyer in Kansas City – and a former Independence mayor – before coming to the foundation in the mid 1990s. In addition to organizing events such as the annual gala, she also works with donors and the foundation’s grant and scholarship program – both of which she finds “very rewarding.”

“The gala is a special event because it celebrates the good things people are doing in the community. It makes me proud to

see how many people respond to the event,” she said. “I think over the years I have found out what is entertainment and what brings people to something like this. I am able to hear and see all of the things that go into the success of any event or produc-tion, which is a good quality to have in this position.”

McClure said the biggest challenge is the “sheer amount of work” that goes into stay-ing connected with the foundation’s donors. She said assets of grown from $2 million in the beginning to almost $28 million now. Despite that, the same amount of staff ex-ists now as when the foundation was first started.

“Some days it can be a little frustrating responding to all the donors,” she said. “We are not the biggest community foundation in the area, but we are always available to our donors when they call. We think that personal connection is very important.”

mentorsLooking back, McClure can point to

three mentors in her life.“I learned what it is to be a good leader

from Barbara Potts. Carolyn Weeks (who also worked for Potts) taught me what it takes to be a good administrative assis-tant,” she said. “And from Carol Sue Bass, I learned what it is to be a true friend.”

McClure said she has been truly blessed with not only her family, but the friends she has made along the way.

“It is interesting to think that some of the same people I earned from the in the beginning, I am still working with,” she said. “I have been blessed to have some great people in life.”

cover story

behind the scenes, everywherecOntInued FROm pAge 9 “i think that was

my happiest time, working with the city. i was able to work with so many community leaders and help create so many things.”

– liz mcclure

�0 JACKIE DECEMBER 2010

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money

By kARen cAFFARInI

You blew your holiday budget to please everyone on your list. Soon it will be January, and you’re in crisis mode.

You’re not alone. According to a survey released in October by the Na-tional Retail Federation, Americans plan to spend an average of $688.87 on holiday-related shopping this year, up from $681.83 last year.

Seventeen percent of those shoppers will use a credit card, simply because they don’t have the cash, a survey by USAA Financial Planning Services

reveals. The good news is, you can get back

on track financially, financial advisers say, provided you tighten your belt and exercise self-control:

12

3

4

discipline, discipline. Put your credit cards in a desk drawer and use cash instead for daily purchases. this will keep you aware of how much you are spending and stop the habit of spending quickly without thought, says Christine d. Moriarty, financial educa-tor with bristol, vt.-based MoneyPeace inc. “if you avoid the January sales, you will save money,” Moriarty adds.

Rack and stack. Pay off the highest interest-bearing bill first while paying minimums on others, advises June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USaa Financial Plan-ning Services. once the first bill is zeroed out, attack the second, always paying the minimum required on other bills. “the key is discipline, commitment and consistency,” she says. if you need immediate gratification, you could pay off your smallest balance ac-counts first.

use those points. if some of the budget you blew was by overusing credit cards, check your credit card statements to see how many points you have. visit your card’s rewards website to find out whether you can convert the points into cash or gift cards for stores you frequent. Some credit cards double the value of your rewards at specific retailers, says kevin Gallegos, vice president of Freed debt relief llC in tempe, ariz.

plan early. Write down a list of needs and wants, and decide which of the wants you can do without, Walbert says. She says to involve the whole family in the budget process, not-ing that while one or two people earn the income, “everyone in the family spends it.” be sure to set aside money for next year’s holiday season, whether it’s putting $10 to $20 a week away in a Christmas Club or having it automatically deducted from your paycheck.

Budget bluesbouncing back from holiday spending


JACKIE �1DECEMBER 2010


FAmIly FASHIOnadvice for holiday party conversation and style Compiled by Melissa Erickson

i love my long locks, but I’m bored with my same old style. any new trends that can wake up my look?

A: you don’t even need to cut your gorgeous mane to totally change your look. try a super-high pony: after slicking hair up and fastening with a band, wrap a section around the ponytail to give it extra height. For a romantic look, make a small, loose braid at the crown of your head. Curls are big, so if your hair will hold them, add some spirals with a curling iron. a deep side part leading to a low ponytail is dramatic for a holiday party. or go wild and add a temporary streak of pink or blue.

By Dannielle Kyrillos, editor-at-large of DailyCandy.com, the free daily e-mail covering food, fashion and fun

HAIRStyle

&

I would like to encourage family conversation at the dinner table during the holiday season. How can I get my kids interested in talking to older relatives whom they rarely see?

A: your children may feel disconnected from older relatives because of the age gap, but they may be surprised to discover they share the same interests. before your relatives come, have your children make a list of questions they’d like to ask older relatives — did they play sports when they were younger? Where have they traveled? Steering the conversation in the direction of similar interests will help keep it flowing and your children engaged.

From the experts at FamilyEducation.com

geneRAtIOnAl gAp

With the shorter daylight hours in winter, I seem to be less motivated to get up and go. How can I make the most of my days?

A: With winter right around the corner, it can be tough to be motivated. i have found the two tricks to make a huge difference in motivation: intention and gratitude. First thing when you wake up, remind yourself of the top five things you are grateful for in your life. this will help you keep the things that really matter in the forefront of your mind — and intention — the quality of your day revolves around the quality of your morning. right after you do your gratitude exercise, put an intention on how you want the day to go. When you live intentionally, you create much more juice in your life than if you are just on autopilot. remember, motivation is just a side effect; inspiration is the key.

By professional life coach Shannon Graham

can you offer a suggestion on a wine to bring to a traditional holiday dinner?

A: if you are bringing a holiday wine for the host to serve to guests, you should remember that many guests might not be wine enthusiasts. in that case, i always suggest something on the sweeter side that will appeal to a mixed crowd, perhaps a riesling, a Zinfandel or even beaujolais nouveau (a european holiday tradition). if you are giving a bottle of wine as a gift to the host, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of bordeaux. Price will vary depending on classification (first growth, second growth, etc.) and vintage, but any wine enthusiast will be appreciative of the gesture.

By Brad Prescott, owner, IntoWine.com

FReSH StARt

HOlIdAy WIne

expert answers

�� JACKIE DECEMBER 2010

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MISSOURI MAVERICKS HOCKEY

JACKIE ��DECEMBER 2010

good reads

BOOk pRIce deScRIptIOn

of all the Christmas stories published in the past several decades, Seuss’ tale of the meanest holiday character since Scrooge is perhaps the most beloved. Why sit through the commercials during the televised version? Gather the family and read this classic out loud.

“How the grinch Stole christmas,” by dr. Seuss

$15

$16.99

$12.95

$15

$18.95

“christmas day in the morning,“ by Pearl S. buck

“the christmas Box,” by richard Paul evans

“letters From Father christmas,” by J.r.r. tolkien

“the polar express,” by Chris van allsburg

First published in the 1950s, buck’s tale of a son’s special Christmas present for his father has been reissued for the first time as a picture book perfect for sharing with the family. this story of personal sacrifice during hard times is surprisingly heartwarming.

the story goes that evans wrote “the Christmas box” for his two daughters in the early 1990s and after self-publishing the book in 1994, it became a huge bestseller. true or not, it’s a touching tale of selfless love that resonates during the Christmas season.

tolkien, best known for the epic fantasy “the lord of the rings,” also turned his talents toward Santa Claus in a series of letters he wrote as the red-suited man to his daughters that relate charming and humorous stories of life at the north Pole.

originally published in 1986, when it won the Caldecott Medal, this tale of a child’s doubt in the magic of the season that gradually turns to wonder throughout a fantastic train ride to the north Pole was so beloved that it was made into a movie starring tom hanks.

modernclassicsdickens is great, but holiday stories don’t have to be old to be considered classics.

By pAul eISenBeRg

Warner broS.

�� JACKIE DECEMBER 2010

jackie

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